Manchester City are in control at the top of the WSL but there is still plenty to play for, with 11 games still to play when the league returns in 2026.
The WSL has been clinched on the final day of the season in each of the last five seasons.
When is the earliest a WSL team has clinched the title?
In the 2018/19 campaign, Arsenal secured their title three games before the season ended.
No other team has secured the league with as many games to spare in the history of the WSL.
Arsenal’s victory in 2019 was the final campaign with 11 teams in the league, as the competition expanded to 12-teams and 22 games a year later.
Ever since the WSL expanded to the larger format it has been decided on the final two days of the campaign – making for an exciting season on a year by year basis.
The league is once again expanding this year. There will be 14 teams in the WSL by 2026/27 which could create some even more dramatic endings for years to come.
Manchester City run in
Final three Manchester City WSL fixtures:
- Brighton vs Manchester City: April 26th
- Manchester City vs Liverpool: May 3rd
- West Ham vs Manchester City: May 16th
It is currently Manchester City who are in control at the top of the WSL.
Andree Jeglertz’ team has a six point lead over the rest of the competition at Christmas and they don’t look like slowing down heading into the new year.
The Cityzens have a more favourable end to their season than anyone else in the league.
With Liverpool and West Ham rounding off their year, City will have to assume that they can take three points off both relegation contenders with relative ease.
But being top of the league in January and May are both very different prospects.
How the #BarclaysWSL table looks heading into the Christmas break 🙌 pic.twitter.com/NdkEpRmxHk
— Barclays Women’s Super League (@BarclaysWSL) December 14, 2025
City still have to play Chelsea and Arsenal both at the beginning of February, in a two game stretch that could make or break their campaign.
Chelsea run in
Final three Chelsea WSL fixtures:
- Everton vs Chelsea: April 26th
- Leicester City vs Chelsea: May 3rd
- Chelsea vs Manchester United: May 16th
Chelsea not being top of the table heading into the winter break is a relative unknown in the WSL.
The six-time reigning champions have dominated the league in recent years and after going unbeaten in 2024/25, it is a surprise for them to not be top of the pile at Christmas.
A Merry Christmas message from Sonia! 🧑🎄
Time to recharge over the winter break. 🔋 pic.twitter.com/A1R9F6KD2E
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) December 21, 2025
The Blues saw their lengthy unbeaten run come to an end in 2025. There were some shock results for Sonia Bompastor’s team which has left them trailing behind Manchester City.
But there is still time for the reigning champs, who can close the gap to City when they face the current leaders on February 1st.
Chelsea face Arsenal at home in their second game back in 2026 though and if the Gunners can pick up a result, Man City may move out of sight.
Bompastor’s side ends the season with a tricky home clash against Manchester United. Even if they do find a way to go top of the WSL by the last day, winning the league is far from a guarantee.
Arsenal run in
Final three Arsenal WSL fixtures:
- Aston Villa vs Arsenal: April 26th
- Arsenal vs Everton: May 3rd
- Liverpool vs Arsenal: May 16th
While Chelsea are already six points behind City in the table, Arsenal are even further back.
The Gunners have eight points to catch up on if they are to end their winless streak in the WSL over the past six seasons.
Renee Slegers’ side was disappointing at the start of the campaign and it took them a while to get into full flow.
As the league approached the Christmas break, Arsenal began to show their true colours and they are firmly back in the title race heading into 2026.
If they are to challenge for the title Arsenal will realistically have to beat Manchester United, City and Chelsea in 2026.
The chasers face the rest of the top four within a four week span at the end of January and start of February.
Should Arsenal find themselves ahead with three games to play, they have a favourable fixture run to round off the campaign.
Of course if they don’t make it into the title race Arsenal will be hoping to go far in the Champions League as they look to retain their title.
Manchester United run in
Final three Manchester United WSL fixtures:
- Tottenham vs Manchester United: April 26th
- Manchester United vs Brighton: May 3rd
- Chelsea vs Manchester United: May 16th
Manchester United are a further one point behind Arsenal in the title race.
Marc Skinner’s side still has a chance of winning the WSL, but they may have to win every game in 2026 to complete the feat.
United have the advantage of playing two of their toughest games right at the end of the season.
With games against Chelsea and City coming up in their last four matches, they will have a chance to catch up to the top even if its very late in the season.
Marc has a special message for our fans, after the Reds ended 2025 on a high note 🤝 pic.twitter.com/xwoUIZgOKa
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) December 21, 2025
United face Arsenal in their first league game back after Christmas. The loser of Arsenal vs United could be out of the title race very early in 2026, so the clash at the Emirates will be a huge one.
The Red Devils are preparing to make some moves in the January transfer window and could be more of a threat after Christmas
